Prof Dr Md Alauddin, pro-vice chancellor of Chittagong University, speaks at the inaugural ceremony of two-day long Daily Star-Bank Asia-Drishty Science Festival 2010 at Ispahani Public School & College in Chittagong city yesterday.Photo: STAR

The third Daily Star-Bank Asia-Drishty science festival began at Ispahani Public School & College in Chittagong city yesterday
Principal of the college Mahabul Alam Chowdhury inaugurated the two-day long programme at the institution's auditorium.
Enthusiastic students yesterday were seen queuing on the school premises to sign up for workshops and exhibitions. Drishty President Masud Bakul said over 1,200 students from a hundred schools in Chittagong attended the festival, and 200 science exhibitions were enlisted for show.
Participants in the three workshops on genetic engineering, DNA and biotechnology have set to exhibit their innovation projects today.
At the inaugural session, speakers expressed concern over the decline of science students in SSC level and h
ailed Drishty for their continued efforts to make students interested in science.
Prof Dr Md Alauddin, pro-vice chancellor of Chittagong University, stressed the importance of science education without which the dream of a prosperous Bangladesh will remain unrealised.
The world is for the fittest and a nation without skilled professionals in every field can never prosper in today's world, said Prof Syed Ahsanul Parvez, chairman of marketing department, CU.
A participant and student of Cider International School, Shahawata, told the Daily Star that she is happy for joining the festival and wished for frequent festivals like this one in future.
Sadia Kazi Rahman, principal of Sunshine Grammar School, and Amir Ali Chowdhury, founder adviser of Drishty were also present at the inaugural session chaired by Masud Bakul.
Bakul thanked The Daily Star, Bank Asia Ltd and Chittagong Online Ltd for their cooperation in arranging the programme.
Today Dr Afsarul Ameen, minister for primary and mass education, will inaugurate day second of the festival.
Chittagong Bureau Chief Raisul Haq Bahar of The Daily Star, and Zonal Head & SEVP Md Roshangir of Bank Asia Ltd are to attend the event as special guests.
In the afternoon, Moinuddin Khan Badal, MP from Boalkhali constituency and Abul Momen, resident editor of the daily Protham Alo will be present at the award giving ceremony.